| Now that you have answered the two questions | | | | should stay relegated to the weekends. Since the |
| from part 1 of this blog, (i.e., Do I like the way I look | | | | advent of business casual in the 1990's the line |
| and present myself? And, Do I know what image I | | | | between business apparel and weekend wear has |
| am projecting, and is it the image I want to | | | | been blurred with very mixed reviews and dubious |
| project?), let's talk about things you can do to be | | | | results.o Dress for the Job You Want, Not the Job |
| sure you are projecting a strong (and authentic) first | | | | You Have. Show initiative, interest, and |
| impression:o Look at Yourself Objectively. This is | | | | professionalism, and your efforts will be rewarded. |
| arguably one of the most difficult practices to | | | | Job opportunities and promotions have been lost |
| perfect. We each see ourselves a particular way and | | | | because someone isn't dressing the part. This |
| are often not aware of how others perceive us. | | | | happens more often than you'd think. Being aware of |
| Don't they see us they way we see ourselves? Not | | | | the impact you make gives you the advantage.o Go |
| necessarily so! Try a little experiment: Look at | | | | Back to School. Not everyone knows from birth how |
| yourself in the mirror and imagine meeting yourself | | | | to dress themselves. Nor does everyone like to do it. |
| for the first time. What do you see first? Is that | | | | That's no excuse, however, not to learn. There are |
| what you want someone to see when they first | | | | plenty of resources available for regular people, not |
| meet you? What do you see next? Continue | | | | just celebrities. Whether you engage the personal |
| evaluating your image. If you can't be objective, ask | | | | shopper at a department store (their services are |
| a supportive friend or family member to help you out. | | | | free), hire an image consultant (worth the investment |
| Ask for all feedback to be given to you in a positive | | | | (which isn't always as big as you'd think)), or take an |
| way (this is important).o Be Your Own Personal Valet. | | | | adult education class, there are services available. |
| Good grooming is the mainstay of a positive | | | | We all want people to appreciate us for who we are |
| impression. Your clothes don't have to be expensive. | | | | and not what we wear. In a perfect world, that |
| Your style doesn't have to be the most current and | | | | would always be true. This is one area of life where |
| trendy, and you don't have to be a waif to look | | | | ignorance is not bliss. What you don't know can hurt |
| good in your clothes. While cleanliness and good | | | | you. Many people leave the house in the morning |
| personal care are obvious, good grooming goes | | | | hoping others won't notice what they are wearing, or |
| beyond that. Are your clothes in good repair (yes, | | | | that they didn't style their hair, or that their nail polish |
| that little stain is noticeable)? Are your nails neat, | | | | needs to be refreshed. Worse, some people leave |
| clean and chip-free? Are your shoes and other | | | | the house not having a clue that their clothes look |
| accoutrements in good condition? Are your clothes | | | | worn and their hair needs to be combed in the back. |
| pilling or fraying? Do your clothes fit you properly? | | | | These oversights can be distracting either to you or |
| Don't simply hope that others won't notice if any of | | | | to those you meet or both. Don't let this happen to |
| these things are awry. Chances are they will. Most | | | | you! While you can't please everyone, the place to |
| people won't say anything to you, however, they'll | | | | begin is with yourself. Liking the way you look boosts |
| just store it away for future reference. Don't let this | | | | your self-esteem, bolsters your confidence, and |
| happen to you!o Be Discriminating. Weekends are | | | | draws people to you. |
| weekends, and work is work, and never the twain | | | | Overcoming a bad first impression, provided you're |
| shall meet. Unless you paint or clean houses for a | | | | even given the opportunity, is no small feat. In the |
| living, work as an auto mechanic, or are employed in | | | | long run, it's just a whole lot easier to make sure |
| some other job that requires you to get dirty, if your | | | | your first impression is a good one, and awareness is |
| weekend clothes are worn and comfy, then they | | | | the first step. |